A diversion route will be in place
The M4 Prince of Wales bridge is set to close overnight for repair works(Image: SWNS.com)
M4 motorists expecting to make use of the Prince of Wales bridge this evening or tomorrow evening are being warned to find alternative routes.
National Highways posted on its Severn Bridges account on X (formerly Twitter) advising of emergency repairs that will close the westbound carriageway of the motorway bridge.
The closure – which is described as emergency roadworks to fix a defect – will run from 9pm tonight until 6am tomorrow morning.
A diversion has been set up taking motorists via the M48 Severn Bridge if they need to cross the river. The same closure will return tomorrow night during the same hours.
National Highways has said the weight restriction will be removed on the Severn Bridge whilst the M4 is closed.
The agency describes both bridges across the River Severn as a “vital link for businesses and communities” connecting England and Wales.
Following previous emergency work it recently had to temporarily switch off lighting on the Prince of Wales bridge and urged motorists to take particular care when driving at night.
A 40mph advisory speed limit is in place on the bridge for safety during hours of darkness.
Motorists hoping to cross the Severn could face further disruption tonight and tomorrow (January 8) due to high winds expected during Storm Goretti.
The Met Office warns that the storm could pose a ‘danger to life’ in some areas including in the South West, with a spell of very strong winds for a time on Thursday evening and into Friday morning.
High winds often see the Severn Bridge close due to safety reasons, although there are no current closures in place at the time of writing.
National Highways has the following advice for motorists detailing the disruption tonight and tomorrow:
7 January – Prince of Wales Bridge
Lane one closed westbound during the day in preparation for the overnight works:
- Full westbound closure of the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge between M4 J22 – J23 (9pm – 6am)
- Emergency works to expansion joints; additional maintenance will also be carried out at the same time.
Diversion:
- M48 Severn Bridge with off/on closures at M48 J1 & J2, traffic signals on roundabouts to manage freight
- Freight permitted on M48 during closure
8 January – Prince of Wales Bridge
- Full westbound closure between M4 J22 – J23 (9pm – 6am)
- Emergency works to expansion joints; additional maintenance included
Diversion:
- M48 Severn Bridge (as above)
- Please note there is a weather risk: High winds and possible snow may cancel closure if the M48 diversion is unavailable due to the weather